Description

On the first Sunday in December 1941, an armada of Japanese warplanes appeared suddenly over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and devastated the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Six months later, in a sea fight north of the tiny atoll of Midway, four Japanese aircraft carriers were sent into the abyss, a blow that destroyed the offensive power of their fleet. Pacific Crucible—through a dramatic narrative relying predominantly on primary sources and eyewitness accounts of heroism and sacrifice from both navies—tells the epic tale of these first searing months of the Pacific war, when the U.S. Navy shook off the worst defeat in American military history to seize the strategic initiative.

Reviews

Understanding Japanese Attacking USA

5

By Lawyer141

Great read on the events that led Japan to bomb Pearl Harbor and initial phase of war-until epic victory of US at battle of Midway. 6 months after Pearl Harbor - the ultimate outcome was never in doubt. Great insight into the Japanese thought process in attacking USA even though the Japanese high command had to know that the war would end badly for Japan

Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942

5

By PAul Bar

I was doubtful about getting a book that rehashed the first 6 months in the Pacific war. But was I wrong! Excellently written and highlighting the personalities that impacted the war. A must read.

Pacific Crucible

I have read numerous accounts of WW2 in the Pacific and none provided the insights this one did! The section covering post-Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Coral Sea had engagements that I had not read about previously. I literally could not put it down. A wonderful piece of writing.
C W Minners

Can't put down read

5

By 7834N

The author is a first rate story teller.

First rate

4

By sgulie

A concise and clear description of the events, actions, and motivations on all sides, from Pearl Harbor to Midway. Easy to read, insightful and interesting. Well researched.

Turning Point

5

By crabtrem

This is an excellent book. For me I get the impression that the author transports you to the emotions being felt surrounding the events he writes about first. So as you weave through the complex events he writes about, you also feel the emotions driven and felt during those times. This book started out a little slow, but once the emotions capture you, you're hooked. This book is a crucial addition shaping my understanding of WWII, and more specifically those crucial opening months of the war. A great read.

Good read

3

By Doggie Howser

Not as good as I thought it would be. A good review of the pacific war up to the Battle of Midway. Needed more detail and less general overview. All in all a good read. I am happy I did not pay the hard cover price.